Red Clover Isoflavones Influence Estradiol Concentration,Exercise Performance,and Gut Microbiota In Female Mice

Objective: Red clover(Trifolium pratense L.;RC)is a kind of herbaceous plant rich in phytoestrogen.In red clover the main compound is isoflavones,which are selective estrogen receptor modulators for maintaining female health.In recent years,RC is often used to improve the menopausal symptoms of menopausal women.This study aimed to investigate the effect of Red clover supplementation for 4 weeks on gut microbiota composition,exercise performance,and estradiol concentration.Data suggestion for reducing intestinal microflora disorder in exercise supplementation.Methods: The 6-week-old female ICR mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:orally administered RC once daily for 4 weeks at 0(vehicle,n=8),308(RC-1X,n=8),615(RC-2X,n=8),and 1538(RC-5X,n=8)mg/kg.Three weeks after intragastric administration,15 min forced swimming without weight was performed.Four weeks after gavage,the mice were tested for the grip strength of forelimbs,swimming strength and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)to measure body composition.At the end of experience,the mice were sacrificed.The organs of the mice were weighed.Then the liver glycogen,muscle glycogen and intestinal microflora were detected.Results:(1)Compared with the vehicle group,the food intake of mice in RC-5X group was significantly increased(P < 0.05),and the free fat mass of mice in RC supplement group was significantly decreased.(2)Exercise performance test: compared with the vehicle group,the forelimb grip strength and swimming exhaustion time of the RC supplement group were significantly increased.(3)Biochemical indices: compared with the vehicle group.The levels of serum lactic acid(P < 0.0001),serum ammonia(P< 0.05)and serum creatine kinase(P < 0.05)in RC supplement group were decreased after swimming.The muscle glycogen content increased,and the levels of estradiol and progesterone increased(P < 0.05).(4)Intestinal microbiome bioinformatics: compared with the vehicle group.The RC-2X group may increase intestinal health associated with Pseudobutyrivibrio and Parabacteroide.Conclusion:(1)As a nutritional supplement,the Red Clover has a positive impact on the intestinal health and the body health of female mice.(2)Red Clover plays a positive role in reducing female mice physical fatigue and improving their exercise performance.